Facts: The Fourspot Butterflyfish

The four spot butterflyfish occurs throughout the tropical northwestern and central Pacific Ocean, mainly around islands. The fish are generally uncommon, except in some areas of the Hawaiian Islands. They inhabit ocean waters from 6 to 140 ft deep. They prefer exposed seaward coral reefs. Their body is dark brownish black above, becoming orange yellow below, and speckled with brown spots. The tail and head are yellow. Two distinctive white spots are on each side of the body. There is a band through the eye that is dark above the eye and bright orange below. Adult four spot butterflyfish can grow about 6 inches long. They commonly form long lasting monogamous pairs and defend a feeding territory on the reef against others of their species. They may also be spotted swimming solitary. They primarily feed on the polyps of cauliflower coral, but they may also eat other invertebrates and algae. Because of their diet, they tend to do poorly when kept in aquariums. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!